 If you've seen Old D'Eller, you know the devastating effects that rabies can have. Rabies is commonly transferred between animals and humans when an infected animal bites a person. Domestic and wild animals can transfer the disease. Dogs, cats, skunks, foxes, raccoons and bats are common animals that harbor rabies. Animals suspected of exhibiting rabies can be confirmed for the virus from a test called immunofluorescence, which analyzes brain tissues. Treatment for the disease requires a series of preventative vaccines immediately following contact with the animal. It is important to seek medical attention immediately and gain as much information on the animal as possible. Symptoms include loss of muscle function and feeling, convulsions, drooling, pain at the site of the bite, and trouble swallowing. Once symptoms occur, treatment strategies drastically decrease in effectiveness. Ways to prevent rabies include using caution around unknown pets in wildlife, vaccinating your pets, and avoiding wildlife in areas where rabies could be present. From the University of Wyoming Extension, I'm Blake Hotman, Exploring the Nature of Wyoming.